Your Dog And You: Tips And Advice

Arguably, dogs can be as great a loyal companion as any person can. However, in order to get the most out of your dog and for him to be happy, you need to understand the proper way to care for the dog. The tips included below will help with the discovery process.

TIP! Make your home dog-proof. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe.

If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.

Avoid trying to force things into your dog. For instance, don’t force it to eat a treat that it appears to hate. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.

TIP! Take a photo of your dog when you plan to take him on vacation. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost.

If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.

When you are getting dog food for your pet, don’t try to save money and get whatever is cheapest. It is important that your dog get nutrient dense, good quality food. While this could mean that you’re going to have to pay more money, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.

TIP! If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog.

Properly teach your dog how to walk with a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command “heel”. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.

If you’ve been considering adopting a dog but still aren’t sure, you could try to become a foster owner first. There are many animals that need love and care. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.

TIP! Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. A feral animal might catch their attention, causing them to pursue them, or an unplanned incitement might lead to a bad situation with other pet owners.

Owning a dog is a great experience and will definitely enrich your life. Still, most owners don’t know exactly what to do to help their pet remain happy and healthy. The advice here will prove to be a good resource for many years.